Will I be facing discrimination?

[OwlieO.O]

I am currently a student (pre-nursing). I am a father, in my early twenties. Today, I finalized my status for volunteering at my church's daycare for during service. I was told that I would not be allowed to change diapers or take children to the bathroom, and that only the women were allowed to.

Now, I have never been discriminated against before, so I was a bit taken back by this. They're saying, just because I have different parts, that I cannot perform common duties toward the care of children? Treating the situation as 'weird' is what makes it weird. No one would think twice about a woman doing these things, and yet in many instances, women abuse children as well. If organizations are concerned about child abuse occurring, there should be a checks and balance system, not a straight antimen, or even antiwoman standard.

I am just shocked that my gender would influence this, and I wonder if I will be discriminated against once more in the future, in nursing school and in the nursing field, because I'm "a male in a female's field." I understand any individual's concern, especially because I know how I feel about my son being cared for. Like I said, I feel the better option would be a 'checks and balances system,' like having a female nurse observe if a male nurse is having to perform anything on a female patient, such as cathing, etc.

Please, anyone, tell me if you think my feelings are irrational.

[traveling_RN]

There are the older folks that have always thought of nursing as a woman's role. I have been referred to as a "male nuse", and have had to remind them that no, I do not deliver mail.

I have been told by patients of all ages that some of their favorite nurses were guys.

Let your patient care speak for itself for the nurse that you are, your co-workers, patients, and patient's families will respect you.

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

Here is my $0.02. Yes you will be discriminated against as a male Nurse.

Here are some of the things that have happened in my career.

1. response from staffer at MGA healthcare Phoenix, AZ

2. Hospice in Colorado

3. Outpatient in Flagstaff, AZ.

4. Unnamed smaller hospice in Phoenix, AZ

and on and on and on.

It depends on the region of the country you are in. The more "conservative" areas will definitely discriminate, break the law, then lie about because that is just how they roll.

In my region, Minnesota, I'm sure you can find cases of discrimination, but the blatant, commonplace, and widespread infractions described by Rohan8 just don't occur.

Other areas, I'm sure, are different and it is one of the reasons I like living here.

[SNB1014, RN]

I think that as a man entering a female dominated profession, you will have SOME people looking at your differently. I know from clinical there was difficulty with placement/pt assignments during OB rotation. Esp L&D. Certain cultures, religion, personalities etc are very conservative. That said, If I was in labor, I couldnt care less who touches my hoo-ha , but I know my husband would flip if I even saw a man for my annual woman's exam, yaknow?

Sometimes when being assessed with patient communication or therapeutic talk, some of my male students didnt do as well. When it came to lectures on trauma care, they rocked!!

All in all, I loved working side my side in clinical with the guys. They were hilarious, kind, helpful and were always willing to help me lift :-)